Scientific ClassificationKingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Ophiuroidea
Order:Phrynophiurida
Family: Gorgonocephalidae
Genus: Astrophyton
Species: A. muricatum

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- Also known as Giant Basket Star



- Found in Caribbean and western Atlantic, in depths from 2 to 320 m



- During the day, curls up into tight ball shape to protect itself from predators

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-At night, climb up to an elevated point and faces current to feed on plankton


-Extends arms into a bowl-like shake


-Tiny hooks along arms prevent prey from escaping

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Sources
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm
http://funscubadiver.com/gallery/belize-basket-star.htm
http://species-identification.org/species.php?species_group=caribbean_diving_guide&id=395
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LyxZsaQuZO8/SeI5L6zrTTI/AAAAAAAAEkc/231Tc-qHL_M/s400/2.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/abramsv/SH-3VsMnfgI/AAAAAAAAVqo/iTQ4cwi8xmc/s800/ertytry4565.jpg